Archives: February 2006

AIST develops 3D image projector

08 Feb 2006

3D image projectorJapan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a device that uses lasers to project real three-dimensional images in mid-air. The institute unveiled the device on February 7 in a demonstration that showed off the device's ability to project three-dimensional shapes of white light.

AIST developed the projector with the cooperation of Keio University and Burton Inc. (Kawasaki, Japan). Until now, projected three-dimensional imagery has been "artificial" -- optical illusions that appear 3D due to the parallax difference between the eyes of the observer. Prolonged viewing of this conventional sort of 3D imagery can cause physical discomfort.

The newly developed device, however, creates "real" 3D images by using laser light, which is focused through a lens at points in space above the device, to create plasma emissions from the nitrogen and oxygen in the air at the point of focus. Because plasma emission continues for a short period of time, the device is able to create 3D images by moving the point of focus.

3D image projectorAt the demonstration, bursts of laser light were emitted 100 times per second to form shapes in the air up to 50 cm above the device. Heat from the laser caused the air to expand, producing a crackling sound that resembled a series of tiny explosions.

At the moment, the distance at which the device can project images is limited to between 2 and 3 meters. Improved laser technology will enable images to be projected at greater distances and with more color, so we may soon see 3D images floating above our city skylines.

The chief scientist at AIST?s Photonics Research Institute says, "We believe this technology may eventually be used in applications ranging from pyrotechnics to outdoor advertising."

[Sources: Mainichi Shimbun, AIST press release, Burton Inc.]

UPDATE 1: The English translation of the press release is here.

UPDATE 2 (Aug 16, 2007): New and improved 3D projector

Marilyn Monroe-shaped daikon radish

06 Feb 2006

Marilyn Monroe-shaped daikon radishA daikon radish with a distinctly human shape is the talk of the town in Sasamicho, Wakayama prefecture.

Keiko Tanaka, 74, harvested the rather large daikon radish from her family farm. The daikon?s resemblance to a cross-legged woman surprised her as she unearthed it, prompting her to name it ?Monroe-chan." She has since been showing it off around town.

?It has such a beautiful body line. I?m sure it will taste better than your average daikon,? says Tanaka.

How much steamy pleasure this daikon adds to the process of cooking oden remains to be seen.

[Source: Mainichi Shimbun via Yahoo! News]

Mannequin head reborn as scarecrow

06 Feb 2006

Wig-kunA recycled hairstyling mannequin head has been called upon to keep crows away from a garbage collection point in Ube, Japan.

At the end of last year when disposing of the head (now lovingly dubbed "Wig-kun" by the area residents), a local hairdresser had the bright idea to recycle the head for use as a scarecrow.

"The head was frightening enough to make a 4 year old cry, so I thought it might work to keep the crows away," says the recycle-conscious 63 year old hairdresser.

The results were immediate. Now there is no sign of the crows, which even the protective nets could not prevent from getting into the trash. "It's as if they were never here."

[Source: Ube Nippo]

Giant snow rescue robot put to the test

02 Feb 2006

A giant rescue robot with "feet" like a bulldozer and arms 5 meters in length is undergoing practical testing at Nagaoka University of Technology (Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture). Designed for avalanche disaster relief and snow removal operations, the robot -- known as T-52 Enryu (lit. "rescue dragon") -- is being developed by tmsuk, a Kitakyushu-based robot manufacturer. T-52 Enryu stands 3.45 meters tall and weighs 5 tons.

T-52 Enryu, the snow rescue robot

In the tests, which began on February 1, T-52 Enryu showed off its avalanche prevention skills by removing accumulated snow from the edge of a cliff. The robot also demonstrated its ability to extract a car buried under a bank of snow. Remote control operation is being tested at avalanche sites, where extreme caution is required to prevent secondary avalanches.

Tetsuya Kimura, an associate professor conducting rescue robot research at Nagaoka University of Technology, says, "In addition to performing avalanche-related work, we hope the robot will be useful in removing snow around the entrances to underground shopping arcades or tunnels." Tmsuk aims to put T-52 Enryu to practical use in another year or two. Testing will be open to the public on February 4.

[Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Impress Watch]

Combi’s new maglev baby rocker

01 Feb 2006

Combi's maglev baby rockerCombi?s maglev ?Roanju Auto Swing? baby rocker will hit stores on February 3, the company announced today. The rocker, which uses electromagnets to gently swing its passenger, will be available in two models -- the standard model RU-650 (68,250 yen) and the luxury model RU-700 (73,500 yen). The company is aiming for sales of 40,000 units in the first year.

A light push of the hand activates the electromagnet-powered swinging, which continues for about 15 minutes. The rocker is silent compared to motor-driven models -- better for the little passenger to enjoy the audio system pre-loaded with 7 songs, including lullabies by Mozart and Brahms, and Grandfather's Clock.

The sides of the rocker fold down to simplify the process of changing diapers, and the luxury model features an ergonomic inner sheet that supports the child?s head and back in a comfortable position. Designed for ages 0 to 4, the rocker is available in soft white or clear yellow (standard model), or in ivory (luxury model).

[Source: Nikkei BP]